Much ado about nothing: After two Patriots games, Martellus Bennett goes on IR

The Martellus Bennett saga is finally over, with the same ending that was anticipated a few weeks ago.

Bennett will go on injured reserve after playing two games with the New England Patriots, according to the Boston Globe’s Jim McBride. Earlier this month the Patriots claimed Bennett off waivers amid controversy about a shoulder injury with the Green Bay Packers, which caused the Packers to cut him and Bennett to rip the team and its doctor. Bennett looked like he was headed to injured reserve, then suddenly was healthy enough to play when the Patriots claimed him, but that didn’t last long.

When the Patriots picked up Bennett, it looked like another midseason gift for a loaded team. Bennett was a key part of last season’s Patriots championship team, with 701 yards and seven touchdowns. This time around, Bennett had six catches for 53 yards in two games for New England before his season ended. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said a hamstring injury, along with the previous shoulder injury, caused Bennett’s season to come to an end.

This could be it for Bennett’s career. He has talked about retirement this year. He will be 31 next season. Perhaps he’ll decide next offseason to come back, but it wouldn’t be a total shock if he retired.

If this is it for Bennett, he had an entertaining career. He provided plenty to talk about in his last injury-filled season, too.

New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett will be placed on injured reserve. (AP)